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The Valley Press

Obituary Notices and Memorials

LION, William Bill Frederick
LION, William "Bill" Frederick Born August 28, 1917, in the Angelus Hospital in Los Angeles, Calif. Died of natural causes Wednesday, February 8, 2012, in Kissimmee, Florida where he resided since Jan 2004. He was 94. Bill was the oldest son of Charles Roy and Opal Cassandra Lion and brother to John "Jack" R. and Charles "Dick" Richard Lion, all preceding him in death. Bill was a graduate from John Marshall H.S. (1936) and Whittier College (1941). Bill was very active in athletics during his HS and college years having lettered in many sports. It was at Whittier College that he met and married Jane Elizabeth Tregay. They were wed September 3, 1940, at the Wee Kirk of the Heather at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif., and were married for 69 years at the time of Jane's death. Their marriage was a true friendship and partnership. Family and friends truly benefited from their example. Bill was a World War II veteran and served in the 91st Infantry Division of the Army Artillery Corp, having joined the fall of 1942. While stationed in Camp Wallace, Texas in 1943, his first son, John, was born. Bill became a commissioned officer in 1944, and in 1946, Jane was able to join him while he was stationed in Livorno, Italy. While there, they were able to begin some of their extensive, world travels that continued through the decades. Bill was discharged in 1947, and his family continued to grow with the birth of 2 more sons; Steve in 1948,and Larry in 1950. In 1951, Bill was recalled to serve as an ordinance captain during the Korean War and the family moved to Fort Wingate Ordnance Depot near Gallup, New Mexico. He was then called to Korea where he was stationed 1952 to 1953. When Bill was discharged a second time they moved to the Antelope Valley. They purchased an old chicken ranch on 40 acres which became their home for over 50 years. Their property was developed into a residential area by Bill and his brother, Jack. Bill and Jack owned and operated Lion Construction Company in Lancaster for many years. Bill also spent 16 years with General Electric in Mojave and Edwards before he retired in 1981. Sports continued to have an important part in Bill's life. He was very involved in Little League, Pony League, Colt League, American Legion, Babe Ruth and the Marauder Club, serving in many capacities; from coaching, umpiring, and fund-raising. Bill loved to golf, so much so, that he often said he only golfed on days that ended in "y". It is hard to encompass all of the special contributions Bill has made during his 94 years but some of his greatest will live on through his children; John Charles Lion (and wife Nancy) of Kissimmee, Fla., William Stephen Lion of Blowing Rock, N.C., and Laurence Leigh Lion, of Lancaster, Calif. His grandchildren; John and Nancy's children, Jason (Cindy) and Matt (Jennifer) Lion, and Steve and Cathy's children, Joe and Todd Lion, his great-grandchildren, Misty, Samantha, Connor, Grant, Alexander, and Dylan, and nieces and nephew (who were so fortunate to have him and his influence in their life as their "2nd" Dad). Thank you to the many special friends that have been a part of Bill's life. You have a special place in the hearts of his family. His legacy and memory will live on through the people he inspired, loved, and guided. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the home of John and Nancy Lion in Kissimmee, Fla. In lieu of flowers donations to your favorite charity or the Alzheimer Foundation.